“The easiest way to show what you can do, is to do it on your own.”
A tribute to Greta Magnusson Grossman 1906-1999 – 50s design style icon
Greta Grossman 1906-1999
Greta Grossman is one of the most neglected designers of the 20th Century. Born and educated in Stockholm, Sweden, she moved to the US in 1940, and went on to become a style icon in the 40s, 50s and 60s. She not only designed furniture but she also architecturally designed (and also did the interior design) of the 14 different houses she lived in during the 50s. She was, and still is, an inspiration to all women who want to become interior designers.
She started her education back in Sweden by completing a year-long apprenticeship at the furniture manufacturer, Kärnans in Helsingborg where she was the only female in an all-male workshop, and went on to gain a scholarship to attend the prestigious Stockholm arts institution (Konstfack).
In 1933, she became the first woman to win the Furniture Design award from the Swedish Society of Industrial Design. Grossman faced many difficulties being a female designer in a male-dominated industry, stating that she felt she had, ‘to be a step ahead or else’.
photo : Julius Schulman – interior of one of Grossman’s homes
She moved to the USA in 1940 and opened a shop called Magnusson-Grossman Studio in Los Angeles, with Scandinavian inspired furniture and lighting. It attracted a host of Hollywood clientele including Greta Garbo and Ingrid Bergman and Frank Sinatra. Her design ideas were said to be 10 years ahead of her time.
Her furniture gained popularity – she loved simple lines and natural woods and created whimsical but sophisticated pieces. She also liked to experiment with bright colours. She was influenced by her Scandinavian homeland.
photo ©1stdibs.com
photo ©gubi.com
However, she is best known for her elegant lamp designs. Simple but functional her Grashopper and Cobra table and floor lamps were always in demand and you can buy replicas of her well known lamps in Australia today.
Grashopper table lamp ©gubi.com
Despite her success, Grossman still found it challenging working in the industry. ‘The only advantage a man has in furniture designing is his greater physical strength,’ she told American Artist magazine in 1951.
Mid-century elegance with minimalist Scandi style, showcasing wood and black glossy laminate with small ball feet, Grossman signature designs are still incredibly stylish today. Mid-century style and Scandi furniture have seen something of a big revival in the 2010s.
photo ©www.gubi.com
This fiercely independence and talented designer kept up her prolific work until she retired in 1966 into relative obscurity. It has only been recent revivals in mid-century architecture, and design that have seen her name and designs return into the public sphere and gain her the accolades she is long overdue.
photo ©www.gubi.com
Get the look? Try these more affordable version of the Mid-century style. Temple and Webster have have free shipping on selected items so take advantage of these great savings!
Grashopper (Grossman style) Replica Table and floor Lights at Temple and Webster for less than $200
Matt Blatt
Temple and Webster
Temple and Webster
Temple and Webster
Temple and Webster
Temple and Webster
